Sometimes we just need to see the possibilities

Meet Michael Crawford-Hick

Michael is a fellow Small Business 100 (which is how we first connected), and recently I was delighted to welcome him into my studio for a minishoot.

A special story to tell

On Easter Sunday 2022, Michael collapsed at Waterloo Station. Conscious but suddenly unable to walk, he was rushed to hospital. When he got home five days later, he’d been diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). This former engineer, keen traveller and passionate amateur photographer was now facing up to life as a disabled man, battling mobility issues, chronic pain and brain fog.

Since becoming disabled himself, Michael founded the Disability Sports Network, and takes absolutely stunning professional photos at disabled sports events – including the Invictus Games, and more recently, as one of the official photographers at the Paralympic Games in Paris.

Michael’s Minishoot

Michael first reached out to me over a year ago, knowing that he was in need of his own set of images, but also knowing the time wasn’t right for him – yet! 

We stayed in touch, and I was delighted when Michael contacted me to say the time wasn’t right to book his shoot. The catalyst was the publication of his book, The Unexpected Disability, in March this year. He needed an author photo to go in the book, as well as images to support the marketing of his book and his photography service.

Before Michael’s shoot, we had a detailed planning session. We covered everything from logistics (Michael travelled from London by train for his mini shoot), to outfits, props and specific images needed, so that everything was in place and ready for the shoot itself. 

Planning sessions are part of all the mini shoots, brand shoots and website shoots I do – it enables my clients to know what and how to prepare for the shoot, and it ensures that I have everything to hand that will be needed and that I’m capturing the right images for them. For Michael, it was also an important step to keep stress levels down, and reduce the risk of his FND symptoms flaring.

You can read in Michael’s own words about his experience of a mini shoot with me here. 

We had a really good chat during the shoot, and Michael’s passion and drive to show the world that just because you have a disability doesn’t mean you can’t achieve really shone through. Michael creates prints, magazines and calendars showcasing just this.

Finding Purpose

Chatting with Michael made me realise that so often as business owners we hold ourselves back, and yet when we find purpose in our lives – something we feel truly passionate about – we find the strength and resilience to get out there and really make a difference. No excuses, no lengthy justifications why we can’t do that today.

Maybe you’ve found your purpose, or perhaps you’re still exploring possibilities. Wherever you are on your journey know that you’re just where you need to be right now, and keep going – you’re awesome!

Are you ready to stop holding yourself back?

If Michael’s story has resonated with you, and you’re ready to take the next step with a set of photos to help you better market yourself, then let’s have a chat.